Having a dog means dealing with dog hair — it’s a fact of life. Right? Wrong. There are lots of dog breeds out there that actually shed much less than others. And, if you’re looking to add a furry friend to your family, one of the biggest considerations you’ve probably made is how much more you’re going to have to vacuum your home. Of course, there really aren’t any dogs that don’t shed out there — but there are dogs that shed much less, or have very little fur on their skin. Here are the best dogs that don’t shed and are perfect for your home! 1. Terrier: A terrier is a great dog with a low shedding rate. Because of their short hair, they shed less than most other dogs. They’re also typically medium in size. Some people prefer medium sized dogs to large or small ones based on their living situations. Terriers are also highly active dogs, which makes them one of the best dogs to hike with! So, if you’re someone who lives a frequently active lifestyle, enjoys hiking and is looking for a furry companion that doesn’t shed a lot, then a terrier is perfect for you! In fact, most of the terrier breeds shed much less than other dogs out there. Get a Silicone Dog Collar and Leash Set That Match 2. Hairless Chinese Crested: The Hairless Chinese Crested dog has small puffs of hair at the ears, paws and tail, but is otherwise hairless — perfect for lower amounts of shedding! They’re sweet animals, too, and they are much cuddlier than other breeds. Chinese Cresteds are also a smaller dog breed, so if you live in an apartment or a small home, it can be a good idea to get this breed instead of something larger. Many apartment complexes and property management groups have a list of restricted breeds tenants cannot have on their property. Since Chinese Cresteds are a docile breed, they are less likely to pop up on one of those lists. Source: Dana Matasova/Shutterstock.com 3. Poodle: You might think with all that thick, curly fur that poodles shed a lot and make a big mess, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Their thick fur doesn’t shed very often, and when it does, it’s typically much lighter than you’d think. Additionally, poodles are great dogs overall. They’re smart and extremely playful! Make sure you invest in a silicone dog collar that stands out from their typical bright white fur. With all the outdoor time, they’ll need to be safe! Poodles are also hypoallergenic, which is great for potential pet owners with allergies. One caution about poodles, though: Despite their low shed rate, their coat needs a lot of maintenance. You’ll need to brush them every day to ensure their skin and coat stay healthy. Get All Your Dog Essentials, Including ID Tag, Collar, Leash and Bowl! 4. Bichon Frise: Another small dog breed, Bichons are great for low maintenance households that prefer not to vacuum every other day! Their shed rate is relatively low, and they are also very hypoallergenic. A Bichon’s personality is quite playful — perfect for homes that have a small yard for them to trapeze around and enjoy playing with a toy or two. They’re also unbelievably adorable, so you’ll be constantly snapping photos to post on social media and share with all your friends! 5. Portuguese Water Dog: Portuguese Water Dogs are lovable, playful and just as ready to curl up with you on the couch as they are to go out on a neighborhood run. Despite their thick coat and large curls, Portuguese Water Dogs don’t shed very much, but they do love adventure! You’ll want to brush them every week and get them groomed consistently, though. Otherwise, their fur can get matted and greasy — the exact opposite of getting a dog with a low shed count! 6. Giant Schnauzer: Love the Miniature Schnauzers but want something not so... mini? Consider a Giant Schnauzer! They have a low shed count since they tend to only shed from their faces and feet, and they’re just as energetic. Basically, take the Mini Schnauzer and multiply it by two! They’re equally as alert, but that doesn’t mean you don’t need a dog ID tag for your Giant Schnauzer. Like all dogs, if a door is left open accidentally or a hole appears in your fence, they could escape. Be sure to keep your pup safe with the right gear! Finding a dog that doesn’t leave large clumps of hair wherever they go can seem like a hassle, but there are plenty of dog breeds out there that shed much less than others! You can safely store the vacuum towards the back of your closet instead of leaving it within arm’s reach.